SoTampaBull

Well Jeff, please pass on to your TBT peeps that their decision to charge for digital access (I know, it's for the complete paper) when many here and others went there specifically for the USF Blog. Last time I checked your USF Blog site, it was a grave yard and hardly a posted comment could be found. Thanks for destroying what once was a really nice site for accessing USF sports news and a good place to engage in interesting blog post exchanges with fellow Bull buds. Your company lost my business and many others that I know.

Besides possible loss of a couple transfers that were on scholarship (?), how many recruits does Taggart have for this upcoming recruitment cycle?

Bulls really need some talented, fast WRs - at least two, but probably could use three from what we've seen so far this year - and should pickup at least two good RBs (3-Star minimum) as well. It may sound strange to say this, but compared to recent years, this this might be one year that not getting your basic 2 or 3-Star QB recruit (via scholarship) may not be a killer to the program, but certainly next season will require max effort at obtaining that top QB. Of course, if there's a 4-Star QB recruit out there who wants to sign with USF, then Taggart has to take that one regardless of other needs on the team.

That TBT site is now a ghost town. One would think that they'd try harder to draw folks there, so posting a game wrap up elsewhere without at least adding it to their blog site as well doesn't make sense to me. Although, their whole business approach for that site defies logic to me.

Funny, UConn is probably saying some stuff like this about us..."let's not forget how ugly they were against McNeese." I agree with the conclusion--run the ball & have the screen pass ready to go when they come after our lame (physically speaking...) QBs. If your pass defense is the best part of your defense, wouldn't you prefer your opponent to pass? I see UConn stacking the box due to Bulls playing without Shaw and knowing that they can get to a hobbled Eveld if he's back to pass.

While not 100% sure, I'd imagine that any player would play if the coach requested that he burn his redshirt. Now, with that said, he could take a redshirt later during his stay at USF, but it's a bit odd to play a guy one year and then redshirt him the next if the issue is not injury-related. Tye Turner and Ruben Gonzales both played as true freshmen an then redshirted their sophomore years Yeah, but that was under Holtz, who as you recall, played Eveld and burned his redshirt when that season was already a bust. But yes, you're correct, but while it happens, it's probably not close to being the rule.

It does seem odd to leave out Eveld from the injury update, but maybe coaches want to stay away from giving out too much info to UConn re: helping them with their game prep? It looked like a high ankle sprain, but I've heard nothing for certain.

I agree with your analysis about the increased passing for UConn game. With Shaw out and Eveld a bit hobbled, I'd expect UConn to stack the box. In that event, I think I'd let Eveld take more snaps from the shotgun and let him throw a few streak routes and deep posts to keep the defense honest. Not sure what's going on with Dunkley, but Bulls need more speed and big playmakers at WR. That passing (if fairly effective) will open up some room for a few big runs from Pierre as well (hopefully).

While not 100% sure, I'd imagine that any player would play if the coach requested that he burn his redshirt. Now, with that said, he could take a redshirt later during his stay at USF, but it's a bit odd to play a guy one year and then redshirt him the next if the issue is not injury-related.

I listened to the show, and like you said, it was filled with coach speak. Can't believe that the moderator and Taggart indicated that the Bulls pulled it all together for the win. Seems to me that when you only have 241 total offensive yards and NO TDs from the offense, that's a far cry from "putting it all together." I know it's a win, but the USF offense has problems beyond just issues at QB. Although, this team is severely lacking in big playmakers from the skilled positions. WRs dropping passes or just giving up on the routes they run; the OL is just plain inconsistent and do not provide sufficient time for a drop back passer; and RB position without Shaw is very much below average. Bulls need more speed and athleticism at WR. I'm surprised we haven't seen more from Dunkley and Mut and Duval are supposed to have excellent speed to go with decent height; so I'm not sure what's going on at WR currently? WR appears to be a position crying out for serious recruitment this cycle.

It certainly blows now, that's for sure. Hardly anyone goes to that site, and the new sports writer for that blog, Joey Knight, doesn't even post a game story wrapup like Greg Auman did for years. As a result of the management decisions there at TBT, that site is now a graveyard. He posted his wrapup story in the main USF section of the site Saturday night .... http://www.tampabay.com/sports/college/usf-tops-cincinnati-for-first-victory/2145759 Thanks Southshore. Appreciate the update. I wonder why Knight has decided not to post the game stories at the USF blog site?

I don't think you make that decision (burn White's redshirt) now, but would have to wait till outcome of the UConn game. Why waste a year of eligibility now when the season appears to be headed for a below average one and with a strong possibility of not making six wins and bowl eligibility? Bulls would need that win against UConn before even thinking of bringing in White; and that would probably happen if Eveld was not physically capable of playing. If Eveld is physically ready to go against UConn, I think Taggart has to stay with Eveld. Eveld makes few mistakes and knows the offense (we hear he knows it better than the others). If the OL gives him a little time, he can make the throws, but this group of WRs have not impressed either re: their ability to get open; so, mobility at QB will be real important. So, from what we've seen and know about this OL and WRs, is White any more mobile than Eveld?

It certainly blows now, that's for sure. Hardly anyone goes to that site, and the new sports writer for that blog, Joey Knight, doesn't even post a game story wrapup like Greg Auman did for years. As a result of the management decisions there at TBT, that site is now a graveyard.

The thing about the blog is that there really doesn't have to be any interaction. You guys could do your thing there and most probably wouldn't even notice you all being there .. Thanks, Triple B. As Jupe said, we appreciate your offer. We'll discuss further, as we now have a fairly large e-mail list of those old TBT blog posters contacting me indicating interest to stay in contact. From what I've seen on these blogs, some folks take contrary opinions way too personal and then reply with unnecessary nasty retorts. There's a lot more important issues affecting us many times over than USF sports, but since we use sports as our outlet from the real world, I can see how things get out of hand occasionally. BTW, it took me a bit to find my original story. Is it typical here to have this type of story moved from the main Forum location?

I guess that you missed my first post here explaining the reason? We're trying to get in touch with those former TBT USF posters who are interested in staying in touch with each other. I knew that quite a few frequented this site, so I wanted to get the word out to them in case they want to get in contact and meet up for beers some time, travel to an away game or to meet up at a tailgate and to also stop by the O'Neal's family tailgate or to find an appropriate site where we could again talk USF football.

Bull94, sorry that you didn't recognize the shtick that was being used over at the TBT site w/r/t "Coach" Turd and the other "coaches." Yes, there was Turd's coaching "staff," but many who visited that site regularly disagreed with Turd and others on those same topics, but it was most entertainment and not meant for personal attack. Now, yes, BradentonBull took a lot of grief on the site, and he eventually left - or he didn't login using that same username. BradBull and Steve were so loyal to USF, that regardless of the evidence recognized by all on that blog, they'd continue to defend what most saw as the indefensible - to include some of Leavitt's antics and continued to defend Holtz during his tenure as HC. Yeah, Steve did have his issues with some there - especially Turd - but as much as I really liked ol' Steve, he simply took some of the dialogue that was meant for fun and playful banter way too serious. Most of that dealt with Steve using his real name on the blog, so he would take some of those contrary posts as personal when others did not. Apparently you didn't recognize the groups that developed and how to work within those competing opinions without taking it too serious? Now, did it get somewhat personal at times, yes it did, but Steve was no angel during those exchanges either and he and I got into more than a couple of times as well. However, he would continue to invite me to his tailgate and to sit with him when he had extra tickets, and we talked off and on via phone calls and texts. As hbryan said, afterwards, we'd all meet up at Steve's tailgate and talk crap to each other face-to-face, but we'd eat and drink together and cheer on our Bulls. Some, like yourself, took a lot of the designed blog shtick as way too serious, but for us, it was a great recreational outlet to long work days or tough work weeks or a way to vent when the Bulls were playing like crap - like they are right now. The insights and analysis provided at that site exceeded most, and the entertainment value was off the chart because of the personalities that participated there. Sorry that you didn't like what you saw there.

FWIW, this board does have a blog feature that you could utilize if you don't have anywhere else. The contributors could be controlled by whoever sets it up so you would only have the content you want there .... I appreciate the offer, but when my group got together recently - after much effort to locate a few individuals for their personal info for contact purposes - the one item that everyone agreed on re: any future blog efforts, was to avoid doing it on TheBullsPen. The reasons have already been stated here already, so no sense in adding what's already been said. However, I will pass on the offer to the others to see what they say. Thanks, SoTampaBull

Since the demise of Greg Auman's TBT USF Sports Bulletin, some of the old blog regulars from that site have contacted each other and want to reach out to see if we can regroup with our former blog buds. Me (SoTampaBull), Jupiterbull, Turd Ferguson, Coolman, RaginBull, usf_fan, and others have recently exchanged e-mails and we want our group to get back together and would like to do that soon. So, if you were a former regular on Auman's USF blog, please contact us ASAP. Once I get your responses, I'll combine that list of e-mails/contact info in order to get that out to everyone who wants to be included in our group. Our core group will then be in touch with you with any news of emerging info on events, tailgates, and other plans. If interested, please contact me: SoTampaBull (tmpa629@aol.com). Once we've re-established our blog group, we'll use your contact info to announce how we can meet up (in person or online) in order to discuss USF football issues and to make plans to meet in order to share a beer or two in honor of our deceased blog bud, Steve O'Neal.

Due to the financial aspects of this football program (continuing to pay Holtz is the main issue), I can't say I totally disagree - unfortunately. However, with L'ville and Rutgers leaving the conference after this season, 5 or 6 wins should seen as a legitimate goal for next season. This struggling team cannot survive too many more 3 or 4 win seasons when attracting better recruits and maintaining a decent sized fanbase is so important. So, how long does USF need to suffer 2, or 3, or 4-win seasons before we finally see a 7-win year? Is three more years of losing an adequate time frame before people begin to demand better?

Thanks for providing that link to the radio show. I missed it yesterday, so thank you for posting that show. Was very nice that they talked about USF Super Fan, Steve O'Neal and his passing from that traffic accident. Steve will be missed very much at all future USF sporting events.

Wait - is Steve the fella who had a USF tattoo on each arm?!?! Yes, that was Steve. He was a huge USF sports fan. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Jupe, thanks for posting the story about Steve. It's truly a sad day for us who knew him and followed him on GA's blog. I plan on attending the memorial service tomorrow and will be there for the pre-game tailgate in Steve's honor. Thanks for posting this in order to get the word out to those who were not aware of Steve's passing.

Speaking of TBT's USF blog, for those of you who were regulars there, I regret to bring you the news that long-time USF sports supporter (football and basketball season ticket holder), USF blog poster and avid USF football tailgater, Steve O'Neal, passed away this past weekend. Steve was killed in a traffic accident while riding his motorcycle. There will be a memorial service held tomorrow, Thursday, 26 Sep, at Stower's Funeral Home (401 W. Brandon Blvd). Time is 6:00M to 7:00PM with the service beginning at 7PM. Steve's family will hold a memorial tailgate in Steve's honor at this Saturday's USF-Miami game. The tailgate will be held in Lot 6D. The family would love to meet those of you who knew Steve at this Saturday's tailgate.